What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Laryngoscopy—the use of a long, thin, lighted tube called a laryngoscope to examine the larynx

Radiation or chemotherapy—to treat cancer

Leading up to your surgery:

Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.

Also talk to your doctor about ways to restore speech, such as:

Tracheoesophageal puncture

Hand-held speech aids

Eat a light meal the night before the surgery. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia
will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery. It is given through an IV.

Description of the Procedure

A cut will be made in the skin on your neck. The muscles that are attached to the larynx will be divided. The larynx and surrounding tissue will then be removed. Sometimes, a partial laryngectomy will be done. In this case, the doctor will remove the tumor and only part of the larynx. If you have this type of surgery, you may retain some normal speech and more of your normal swallowing function.

An opening called a stoma will be created through the skin in the neck. Next, the trachea will be connected to the opening. This will enable you to breathe through the hole. In some cases, a tracheostomy tube will be inserted. This tube, which fits into the stoma, will act as an airway, helping you to breathe. Drainage tubes will be inserted to drain blood and fluid. Lastly, the muscles and skin will be brought together and closed with stitches or clips.

How Long Will It Take?

5-9 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

This surgery is done in a hospital. The usual length of stay is 7-14 days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

While you are recovering at the hospital, you will:

Have an oxygen mask over the stoma.

Be given nutrition through an IV or a feeding tube. A speech pathologist or doctor will assess your ability to swallow. Depending on the results, you will progress to soft foods.

You may need to wear boots or special socks to help prevent blood clot formation in your legs

Be instructed to:

Use a call bell and message board to communicate.

Keep the head of your bed raised.

Move your legs while in bed to increase circulation.

Learn to care for your stoma and tracheostomy tube, which includes:

Using a mist hood over the stoma

Keeping water out of the stoma

Covering the stoma with a shower hood when showering

Suctioning secretions

Have the drains removed in about five days. The stitches will be removed in about one week.

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Participate in a speech rehabilitation program. You will need to learn how to speak again. The program may involve speaking by:

Swallowing air and expelling it—esophageal speech

Using an electronic device—artificial larynx

Installing a valve in the stoma to allow air from the lungs to reach the esophagus—tracheoesophageal speech

The throat tissue will heal in about 2-3 weeks. Complete recovery will take at least a month. You may notice a reduction in your sense of taste and smell. You will continue to use the stoma for breathing.

Most people are able to return to their jobs and past activities, except for swimming.
Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.